White smoke signals new Pope chosen
VATICAN CITY (AP) — White smoke poured from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and the great bells of St Peter's Basilica tolled Thursday after cardinals elected the 267th pope to lead the Catholic Church on the second day of their conclave.
CIBC: First-half ‘casts doubt’ Gov’t to hit $70m deficit goal
A major Canadian bank says the Government’s six-month fiscal outturn “casts some doubt” on whether the full-year $69.8m target will be met while also voicing concern over its “elevated roll over risk”.
Opposition encourages Auditor General $400m contracts probe
The Opposition’s leader yesterday voiced optimism that the Government’s financial watchdog will “look closely” at what he alleged is nearly $400m worth of public sector contracts awarded without competitive bidding.
‘Ton of potential’: Out Island bookings near term ahead by 4%
Average occupancy rates of 42-45 percent mean Family Island resorts have “a ton of potential for growth”, a senior tourism executive said yesterday, with short-term airline bookings up 4 percent through August.
Long Island ‘tired of being tricked, fooled by white elephants’
Long Island residents are “tired of being tricked and fooled with white elephants”, the island’s MP asserted yesterday, as he challenged whether the $250m Calypso Cove cruise port will ever become reality.
PM: 10% Bahamian export tariff not in US discussions
THE Bahamas’ anti-money laundering and counter financial terrorism regimes were discussed during high-level talks with the US, Prime Minister Philip Davis said yesterday.
Return to righteous foundation
Across the islands of The Bahamas, there is a growing conversation around leadership—its character, its trajectory, and its responsibility to the people.
Minnis says he will continue to serve but vague on future
FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ declaration in the House of Assembly yesterday that he looked forward to continuing his representation of Killarney was met with desk-thumping applause from parliamentarians across the chamber yesterday –– but uncertainty about whether he would seek re-election after being dropped as a candidate by the Free National Movement remained high.
PM calls for greater accountability from US on fight against firearm trafficking
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has again called for greater accountability from the United States in the regional fight against firearms trafficking, suggesting that US gun buyers whose weapons are found in The Bahamas should be held responsible.
Govt signs $400m deal with BACSWN for met watch office
A $400M heads of agreement was yesterday signed by the Davis administration with the Bahamas Aviation, Climate and Severe Weather Network (BACSWN) to enhance meteorological services and improve flight tracking.
‘Fears eased’ on Cuban workers
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said he believes US officials are “satisfied” with The Bahamas’ handling of Cuban medical labour contracts following high-level talks this week, even as he stopped short of committing to any reform to ensure the workers receive a greater share of their salaries.
Munroe: I’m not aware of child abduction cases
NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe says he is unaware of any failure by The Bahamas to meet its obligations under an international child abduction treaty following a US report listing the country among the worst offenders.
Security Minister announces plans to revamp procurement protocols for RBDF
NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe has announced plans to overhaul procurement protocols for the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) to expedite vessel repairs and maintenance.
Bahamian and over 20 migrants apprehended in Grand Bahama
A BAHAMIAN man and 21 suspected illegal migrants of various nationalities were apprehended by Bahamian authorities at a vacation property in West Grand Bahama in what is believed to be a foiled human smuggling operation.
Minnis reignites speculation over re-election bid
Amid speculation over his plans for the next general election, former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis told the House of Assembly today that he looks forward to continuing his representation of Killarney.
‘Top ten’ captive managers eye Bahamas for business
Upcoming legal reforms could attract two of the world’s top captive managers to domicile “a good portion of their business” in The Bahamas and “open the gateway” for insurance to become a new “economic pillar”.
PI development targets construction start in ‘25
A Paradise Island project’s developers last night said they plan to start construction at the presently-vacant site opposite both Comfort Suites and the Atlantis employee parking lot this year.
‘Bypass the bureaucracy’ to drive stopover visitor growth
The Opposition’s finance spokesman yesterday urged the Government to “bypass the bureaucracy” and speed-up approved hotel projects amid fears a room shortage is contributing to the stopover visitor decrease.
‘Pay up $10k for scalding 3-year-old in bathtub’
A woman was ordered to pay $10,000 in compensation after admitting she negligently burned a three-year-old boy she was babysitting earlier this year.
